November 22, 2020: SOAP #4007:  Matthew 11-13

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Observation:  We may like to think of God being yoked to us.  To accomplish our goal, we want the benefit of His power and provision.  But that is not what these verses teach.  He is not taking MY yoke, but I am taking HIS yoke. 

In HIS yoke, I learn His ways and priorities.  In HIS yoke, I can rest; the pressure is on Him.  He is the Strong One in the yoke who pulls the load. 

Application:  The Lord recently surprised me by telling me He would not be going with me to the hospital; I would be going with Him.  He was teaching me the truth of the above verses. 

When I am desperately trying to accomplish my goal, when I am passionately trying to get others to help me, I need to make sure I am in HIS yoke and I am working together to accomplish HIS goal. 

Prayer:  Lord, when yoked to you, the load is easy for me; the burden is light for me.  Instead of frantically trying to make things work, I can rest in your yoke.  It does not depend on me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  Something special for Thanksgiving!  This past week I had a test done on my heart to determine the success of the recent operation.  It was also to set a baseline for future evaluation.  The cardiologist called me yesterday (Friday) morning to tell me that the surgery had accomplished its purpose.  We will wait and see if the rhythm gets settled or if I will need to rely on the installed pacemaker.  He is sending me a letter of release to drive the school bus which I will take to a special Department of Transportation physical.  If everything continues in a good way, I should be back to my bus route just after Thanksgiving vacation.  God has answered the many of your prayers on my behalf.  With a grateful heart, I say, “Thank you!”   😊